Working in the journalism field has become one of the most dangerous of occupations. Many journalists put their life on the line every day when reporting stories that those powerful do not want known... CPJ - Reported Deaths
In Iran alone, according to the international media group Reporters Without Borders, between 2009-2010 at least 170 journalists and bloggers were arrested in Iran with sentences totaling more than 135 years. The group has ranked Iran alongside China as the worlds biggest prison for journalists. Other Iranian writers and journalists living in exile have received death threats from intelligence agencies. The government has even sentenced those who have sent text messages to their friends.
In Pakistan, Asia Times Pakistan Bureau Chief and The Real News Network contributor Syed Saleem Shahzad was found murdered in Islamabad on Tuesday. Shahzad just recently reporting on splits in the Pakistan military over support for al Qaeda. This last report from just a few days ago in all probability was the reason for his murder.
Despite the prevention of free press by governments, journalists throughout the world are still striving to report objective news. But it is becoming exceedingly more difficult and dangerous for them, and the use of traditional media has resultingly begun to take a back seat to alternative methods of journalism such as blogging.
This is an important and huge loss for the world, as voices like Shahzad's are increasingly and desperately needed in the world today, and every time one is silenced, the world takes another step closer towards darkness.
This is an important and huge loss for the world, as voices like Shahzad's are increasingly and desperately needed in the world today, and every time one is silenced, the world takes another step closer towards darkness.
